Neutra House. A 1,300 square-foot glass house in L.A’s Silver Lake built by Richard Neutra (1959) and furnished by now owner David Netto. A perfect family home where vintage mid-century furnishings fill an American architectural shell.
It is funny how we go through infatuations whether it be in style or home, or both in my case. About a year ago, I was all about the monochrome look. You know what it is like, I had to have that black blazer, white t-shirt, black dining room chairs, black shoes, black and white print, the list goes on…
Nowadays, I seem to steer more towards the neutral tones, in what I wear and what home furnishing I buy. Now I have to have that white linen top, knitted skirt, cream Puma Creepers, tan vintage Hans Wegner arm chairs, brass vase, cream and black print…
Give it another year or two and I am sure I will change again. (I am a Libra – very indecisive!) What will it be next? Pink, blue, purple…it is a scary thought.
However, for the girls who like my home furnishings, I will start selling the items I don’t need anymore, so keep those eyes peeled!
Until next post x
My blog is now on Bloglovin’. Be sure to follow it here.
Wearing –
SIR the label top (Similar Matin + Asos + Topshop) | Shakuhachi skirt (Similar Acne Studios + Asos) | Topshop belt (Similar B-low + Asos) | PUMA Creepers (Similar Acne Studios + Adidas)
Home –
MCM House chair | Seagrass rug | POND Home linen bedhead | West Elm bed side tables | Sheridan bed cover
No break today. Remind never to wear heels on a day like today.
Wearing –
ASOS striped shirt (Similar ASOS + ASOS) | Bec & Bridge jeans (Similar Etoile Isabel Marant + Victoria Beckham + Noisy May) | Chloe heels | Ray-ban sunglasses
Our wardrobes should be full of classic staples with the added injection of fashion pieces. That is my rule anyway. My wardrobe is full of white, black, grey marle and denim in different cuts of tops, pants, skirts, shorts and jackets. The one staple I have been wearing a lot as of late is the wrap dress (Trust me, you need one!). The one I am wearing is leather however I also own a couple in linen for those scorching hot days here in Australia. What I like most about a wrap dress is the fact that I can layer them in Winter (I am aiming this at you Northern Hemisphere girls) and wear them by themselves in Summer. During the hotter months I keep it simple and pair it back with slides, and in Winter, layer it over flares or leather leggings, a long sleeved turtle neck (worn underneath), a coat and boots. Have I convinced you yet?
We snapped this in my office on my favourite chairs. (Vintage gems from the 60’s)
Wearing –
Shakuhachi leather wrap dress | Topshop belt | Zaliah slides
Shop similar ($$$ – $) –
Christopher Esber | Acne Studios | Madewell | SIR the label | Backstage | Mink Pink
I am back wearing a twinset this morning, to my delight of course. I added some jewellery, a neck scarf and kitten heels for my Monday morning meetings. To top it off, my coffee this morning was extra good.
Wearing – Bec & Bridge shirt | Bec & Bridge shorts | Nylon earrings | Patrick Johnson neck scarf | Sambag shoes (Similar here)
Wow, can you believe it is February already? It has been a crazy start to the New Year and I am still coming to terms with the fact that I am leaving for New York fashion week next week. I just got off a Viber call to my girlfriend now living in the Big Apple whom said the weather is surprisingly nice. And I don’t mean nice as in an Australian hot Summer day, I mean nice compared to last fashion week in New York. Record temperatures of -30 (degrees c), my hands are stinging again just thinking about it. Well lucky for me, it seems I will (hopefully) be giving thermals a miss this year. All I can do is hope!
I shot this last night in my office using a flash (which I love shooting with at the moment if you haven’t noticed! Oh and the fact that it was 8pm so it was needed). It has been a week of late nights preparing and booking in meetings for next week.
I wore this new, or should I say old, velvet skirt from Chloe that I found on my trip to Tokyo over the Christmas break. I couldn’t believe it when I found it, even if it did take a good hour trawling through packed racks of old clothing. Isn’t it a gem? Emerald green, velvet and a miniskirt rolled into one? Chloe you just made one of my dreams come true. If you are ever in Tokyo be sure to head to RagTag (the shop I found it at). This store is quite commercial however has some great finds. Also, be sure to check out the streets around it as you will find some smaller boutique vintage stores.
I wore the skirt back with this new shirt from Ruby New Zealand. I absolutely love the fit of this shirt, it doesn’t have long sleeves like the rest of mine, it has a boxy shape making it look like I just threw on my husbands shirt. A little man-style, just how I like it. Shoes, ok lets talk shoes. I wore my Senso pointed boots, which are perfect for meetings as they look a little more dressy and have a slight heel. Lastly, I added a little bling bling. Gold earrings are all the rage in my wardrobe at the moment. Reliquia Jewellery, a new Australian jewellery label is ticking all my boxes as of late.
Anyway I have to go get ready for the David Jones parade tonight. Be sure to see it all on snapchat (@brooketestoni). Also, I am on Bloglovin’ now so be sure to follow my diary entries from here.
Wearing –
Vintage Chloe skirt (budget version in light pink here) | Ruby shirt (Similar Steve J & Yoni P + Topshop) | Reliquia earrings (Budget version here) | Senso boots (similar Acne Studios + Topshop)
Until next post x
The weather being how it is today, it called for a silk slip dress. My go-to shoe for that casual yet elegant look is a brogue. My Valentino brogues to be exact. Happy Saturday.
Wearing – Penny Sage silk slip (Shop slips: Toteme + Raquel Allegra + Equipment + Theory)
Valentino brogues (which are on sale now here!) (Shop brogues – Churches + Asos)
Growing up, I went through stages where I would mix the most grotesque items that at the time were considered ‘in’, thinking I was fashionable. Maybe these so called ‘trends’ were in, but my gosh now I look back at pictures and wonder what on earth I was thinking…. I am sure you have all done it as well. Am I right?
I think it is reasonable to say that the youth of today look cooler than ever before. Agree? Do you think it is because they have social media as an influence whilst we were too busy climbing trees, rolling down red dirt hills (yes, I did this….) and baking cakes with grandma? I loved the ol’ school childhood where we were not glued to our phone (hello social media detox needed!!). We just did the ‘stuff’ kids did which was mainly outdoors. I do look back at the attire I wore and have a good laugh. My friends also love to remind me about it, especially over a vino or two.
In saying this, the title of this blog says it all. Be safe, classic and timeless and you will never have any regrets. I bought this top and pant as they are not only flattering, add a secret few centimetres to the legs, they are staples that will forever be in my wardrobe and hopefully won’t haunt me in years to come.
Time to rework that ‘trend’ you are wearing right now. (Says me who is currently loving a kitten heel after years of disgust…)
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Crocodile Dundee? Well being Australian, that is what I think of when I think of dungarees… Or a painter maybe? Either way I think they look cool and Miss Veronika Heilbrunner has sold them to me (shot by Adam Katz Sinding).
Pair these Frame denim ones back with Gucci Horsebit loafers (ok, I am smitten with them and am trying to convince myself to buy them already….) or any loafer for that matter. Add a white crisp shirt or even a long sleeved black top like Veronika has done and wella, chic.
Shop the post here.
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A super quick update from New York:
After a long, tiring and very irritating day yesterday, I have finally settled into my hotel, The Royalton. To cut a long story short, one of my suitcases got left behind in Sydney, so a pair of Adidas Superstars and Puma Creepers it is! Luckily I like to wear them…. I have unpacked (the bag I have!) and am now ready for the ten days ahead. My thermals and long sleeved layers are in the suitcase flying over from Sydney, this is far from ideal as the weather is close to giving me frost bite.
On a positive note though, I checked into the Royalton, which is a little too close to the shops might I add. The credit card needs to be hidden from me, stat. I arrived last night, looking a little worse for wear after my full day of travelling, to find the bar and restaurant full of people drinking wine and hanging out around the fire. Now, this is my type of hotel.
I am off to the Marissa Web show. See my day on snapchat @brooketestoni. Until tomorrow.
There are these jeans, the coveted jeans of the season, you might call them a little odd but I call them a vintage masterpiece (which belong on my legs). These jeans are that of Vetements. Their price tag means they are technically an ‘investment’, but for someone like me, an all time obsessive denim enthusiast, they were a must-have. I was finally able to get my hands on a pair, just in time for New York fashion week.
Even though I had to wear two pairs of thermals underneath them, they were the perfect vintage jean to pair back with the silk organza Zimmerman top I wore to the show.
Follow my week on snapchat @brooketestoni and blog via Bloglovin.
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It is easy to wear a silk dress and heels, but what do you wear when your are a little on the chilly side? That was my dilemma when wanting to wear this (beautiful!) silk dress from Dion Lee to his runway show. It’s not a hugging dress, it acts as the ultimate layering piece. As per usual, I wore a turtleneck underneath, to keep those bossums and arms warm, and stockings (well – two pairs) on my legs. Don’t forgot to put those ugly thermals we all love on first! And don’t worry I have a coat to protect me from the snow…
The fit of this dress is beyond flattering, so I secretly cannot wait to wear it at home without the numerous layers.
Congratulations Dion on a beautiful show. x
Follow my week on snapchat @brooketestoni and blog via Bloglovin.
When we think Winter we think, black, snow, the flu, skin tight thermals…. When coming to New York for fashion week I wanted to add more than just black to the wardrobe – you know change it up a bit. If you have the proper thermals and layers on, the cold really isn’t that bad… Except the day we left the Dion Lee show, the streets were icy wind tunnels and my eye balls felt like they were going to freeze over.
On this particular day, I went the complete opposite to black and wore white. It was evidently cold but this outfit worked. Actually, I lie. I should have taken these pants up a centimetre or two as the ‘who knows what’ from the NYC streets is not looking too good on the bottom. Wearing my Ellery straight leg flared trousers, back with a TOME shirt (with an open back – oh lala), and a cashmere turtleneck underneath of course. I also have thermals and stockings underneath – sexy.
Lastly, I added a Watson x Watson fur for added warmth.
Look, no black, proud?
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Black heels, black boots, black flats….. I went through my wardrobe before heading to New York and got a little frustrated with the number of black shoes I had. Yes, they are a staple and I need them (I probably don’t but I like to convince myself I do) however where is a little variation Brooke!?
At the moment I cannot go past a statement shoe. If you were listening to my snapchat (@brooketestoni) whilst in New York you would know that my suitcase was 3 days late, leaving me with no shoes in typical New York Winter conditions. Not ideal at all. Off to buy some boots I went. I bought these affordable gems from Topshop. Hello snakeskin goodness!
You can pair your wardrobe staples back with a statement boot, to give that ‘could of been boring’ outfit a little oomph!
Also, I cannot post this blog until I have given a little credit to my earrings. A Brooklyn flea market $10 vintage find – uh winning!
Here in my hotel room at the Royalton wearing Vetement jeans, Bassike top (similar here), Vintage earrings and Topshop boots.
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Wow, what a week. Another New York Fashion Week done and dusted. Time to put away the thermals (I am forever grateful for this moment!) and flick through the content I shot whilst over there. As I presently sit in the sweltering heat drinking iced tea with extra ice, words cannot explain how excited I am to be back here (Sydney), even if it is just for a few days. New York you never sleep (literally), I am officially worn out and the bags under my eyes have worsened immensely. No – no thank you for that one.
For my trip, I decided to try out the new BlackBerry PRIV*. I had heard that the camera and communication system was a game changer, so I thought I would give it a go. I was a little hesitant at first, being a new phone (you know that instant shock of having to work out how to transfer all your contacts and photos from one phone to the next) however once I got used to using it, it was a dream. It helped to organise my week, as all my communication and social channels are in the one place, making it much easier to be productive on the go. Oh and it has an 18MB camera – no biggy! Taking runway shots with motion was a breeze. When a friend took a picture of me on it, she couldn’t believe it. Remarking that it was better than the camera she just got given for her birthday – haha!
With a 5.4” screen, 18MP camera, 32GB internal storage, all your social channels notifications and communication managed in its own BlackBerry Hub, and an inbuilt security and privacy system (important!). I even dropped it once, on the run of course and it didn’t smash – winning! Bloggers dream phone? It really is.
You have got to test it out. I am back on the BBM bandwagon. If you are willing, it is available at Optus here. BBM me.
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If you have been following my travels as of late, you will know that I arrived back home from New York Fashion Week and jumped straight on a plane (or four!) to Tanzania, Africa. I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on a media trip, which is now what I call ‘one of the best and most touching experiences’ I have ever been on.
From the moment I arrived to Singita (by small plane might I add), I was welcomed by a beautiful team that soon felt like family. We spent the first two nights of our holiday in a house, well not just any house, Serengeti House. Serengeti House is a secluded house in the middle of the reserve, overlooking a watering hole surrounded by wild animals. I had to keep pinching myself and remind myself that it was real (the sounds at night definitely reminded me of how REAL it was!).
Being the home decor enthusiast I am, it was one of the first things I noticed when walking in. It was a tonal country retreat full of stunning work by African artisans, top of the range linen, an abundance of luxury furniture and a team like no other. We became family with the staff, who are at your ‘beck and call’, make you whatever food or drink you ask for (Gluten free cakes a plenty!) and are most importantly so very kind and generous.
So I thought it couldn’t get better. Well it did. Off on a game drive we went. We set out on a game drive every morning and night on the search for wildlife (and secretly stalk them with my camera). The giraffe turned out to be great posers, the lions not so much.
Thank you Singita, Serengeti House was unlike no other. A truly a memorable experience! I cannot wait to post about my next few days at Singita Explore. But first, I am flying to Brisbane for a little family tender love and care.
Until my next post.
Before heading to Africa, I asked a few friends what the weather was like, what to wear… as you do. I heard very mixed reviews. ‘It is so hot there at the moment so don’t even think about taking a jumper,’ was one of the remarks I got. Well, well, well ol’ friend, thank the lord I did, because Miss Tanzania decided to drop her temperature come nightfall.
Yes, Africa is one of those countries where Summer clothing is a priority however extra Autumn/Winter pieces are necessary.
What to pack –
Don’t be afraid to wear items a few times, the animals won’t remember – trust me.
Oh and what not to bring –
Also, be sure to get your yellow fever injection before heading over otherwise customs won’t be too happy.
Wearing: 1/ Rollas top | Topshop denim | Beau Coops boots | Reliquia earrings | Miu Miu sunglasses | Vintage belt 2/ Ruby top | Nobody denim shorts | COS belt | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Beau Coops boots 3/ Lee Matthews silk tank | SIR the label skirt | COS socks 4/ Ginger & Smart jumper | SIR the label skirt
If you have been following me on my social, you would know that I have been in Melbourne for the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival with the divine team at Lavazza. This was my first year down for VAMFF and #impressed would be the perfect hashtag to describe it (Hashtag is the new gen. way of communicating right?). The vibe, the people, the atmosphere, it was all happening down in the Melbourne Museum Precinct. There were ladies in front row toasting champagne glasses (If my Mum was there, she would be in her element!), buying new season fashion right off the runway. Business model = on point.
At fashion week I am used to seeing runway shows of only one designer at a time so being able to see a runway with all my favourite designers was an absolute treat! My favourite shows were David Jones, Vogue and Elle. Thank you to all the great people at Lavazza for having/putting up with me and feeding me copious amounts of coffee, to my liking of course. I blended in with the Italian fam just fine didn’t I?
Outfit diary:
Day 1: I pieced a crisp white shirt from Ruby NZ back with a Manning Cartell mustard leather a-line mini (the colour of the season! Available in black or white) with patent leather Tony Bianco boots and my go-to Ray-Ban sunglasses.
Day 2: My beloved Vetements jeans (I can’t take them off sorry…) with a pajama top (yes I said that right, pajama top) from Natalija, COS mustard (hello again!) belt, Sergio Rossi heels and my vintage Chanel.
Please note: You can wear a pajama top as a top. Do not listen to your parents/partner when they question you otherwise.
Until next year #vamff and Lavazza x
Occasionally, I have to dress a lil’ fancy, attend events and am constantly surrounded by beautiful clothes (hard life I know), but I have to admit I am what they call a ‘homebody’ these days. Homebody: a person who likes to stay at home, especially one who is perceived as unadventurous. Ok, wait calm down. I am adventurous so scrap that! My point: I like nothing more than a Sunday afternoon with my husband, lying on the couch, reading a book (a sucker for romance novels!) with a cup of tea or red wine. Ok, lying in the sun with my husband on a yacht in Capri is better, but we will have to save for a little bit longer to re-live that wont we!
Another feeling I very much enjoy, is wearing clothes I can throw on, feel comfortable and my best in. This outfit is a loose silk blouse and high waisted mom jeans. Nothing clingy, nor tight just pure delight. I should be a poet I know.
The day after a manic shoot is a perfect day for me to chuck on my favourite vintage jeans and loose blouse.
Wearing – Realisation Par blouse and vintage 501 Levi jeans.
Happy Friday. May your weekend be full of easter eggs (I know it isn’t Easter I just can’t seem to contain myself), red wine, laughs, love and my snapchat (brooketestoni – I promise I will make you laugh)
Lots of love.
This weekend was sorely needed. As much as I complain about not having time on my hands, I am very fortunate that I have a job I love. Being the busy bee I have been of late, means ‘time management’ is my middle name. And let me tell you, it doesn’t come naturally. It is about finding ways in your day to save time.
This is what brings me to my next point. When Lancôme introduced me to their new Miracle Cushion, my ears were open. Who else is manically driving to work and putting your makeup on in the car? Squeezing the makeup all over your hand then trying to apply it with a makeup brush? Firstly, I usually get it all over my car seats and secondly, my Mum adamantly tells me to stop getting distracted in the car otherwise I will crash! Well Mum, you are going to be happy with my new find.
Lancôme’s new Miracle Cushion is a liquid foundation in a compact, lightweight and perfect for the copious amounts of travel I do. Genius. No stains on the Audi’s seats anymore Brooke. Quick, portable and fresh, Lancôme does it again.
Wearing: Lancôme Miracle Cushion in shade 015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zayEf5n51zU
